The Foo Birds distil the essentials of pop music: solid song craft, endless hooks, and propulsive grooves. But they re-assemble them according to their own recipe, informed by an irresistible mix of jazz-schooling, open-hearted lyrics and precision funkiness. All in all, it all makes for a sound whose roots are on display for all to see, but with a nuance that is entirely their own.

Hailing from all around the UK, the band’s guitarist, bassist, pianist and drummer met as the rhythm section of Edinburgh University Jazz Orchestra; their shared love of jazz turned out to be not as strong as their collective obsession with classic pop and danceable soul music. They talent spotted singer Kate when she sang a Michael Jackson arrangement with the orchestra; Lister’s natural pop sensibilities and disarming vocals were a perfect fit for Alex and Dan’s catchy, sparky songs. Only one thing was missing from the line-up: a punchy horn section — welcome stage right Ed and Jess on trumpet and tenor saxophone.

The band moved from frequent performances at Edinburgh’s Jazz Bar, to several UK tours, festival appearances and trips to Belgium and Croatia. With two albums of original songs under their belt, there’s no sign of them slowing down, and as their second album title suggests, who knows what’s Round the Corner…